Sharing at O2 Live: Resurrection Wednesday

I knew that it was a matter of time before I would find myself standing on stage in front of hundreds of people. For the past few years, the Holy Spirit had been planting ideas/pictures of me doing so and earlier this year, a friend had prophesied saying that she could see me sharing my testimony/preaching on stage. When Josiah asked me last week, I knew that it was time. 

Here is a copy of what I shared. 

If you have read Chronicles, there are hundreds of names listed. However in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, there was more than just a name. It says...

^"9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request."

Here are a few of my thoughts about these verses. 

1) God blesses you when you put Him first in all that you do

Jabez means pain but he did not want to live up to his name. He prayed a bold prayer despite what his circumstances were. God wants you to do the same, to pray boldly, despite what your circumstances are or what people are saying about you. For me, it's about finding a job in what is considered to be a tight job market at the moment. I know that God does not work around our economy but it is through His perfect timing that I will get the right job. 

What is it for you? Are you struggling at university? Does a loved one have cancer? Is a friend doing drugs? Have you been in a relationship that has gone wrong? 

2) God wants to enlarge your territory

I believe that God is wanting to enlarge your territory in the influence that you have in the people around you and in the places that He wants to take you. This influence stems out from your relationship with God and will flow through everything that you do. Where you are right now is only the beginning. Where Oxygen is right now is only the beginning. We've already seen amazing things take place here but God is wanting to do so much more. 

I see a generation that is strong in their faith despite what pop culture tells them. I see a generation who knows their value in Christ because of a loving Saviour. I see emotional, spiritual and physical healing take place because of a powerful God. What are you seeing? What are you expecting? What are you believing? 

3) God will protect you when you participate in His work and calling for your life

When God expands your territory, the enemy will do everything that he can to instill fear, doubt and insecurity in you. No matter what or where God is calling us to, He will be with us every step of the way. We must fight these attacks with the Word of God. 

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind."

Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff, they comfort me." 

When you submit your thoughts to God, He will look after you.